How to Make a Stray Come Inside

Animals such as cats and dogs become strays through a variety of circumstances, such as by running away from home or being carelessly abandoned by a former owner. Some strays, particularly cats, are born in the wild and thus are more leery and frightened by human interaction. Some people want to take in strays so they can adopt the animal while others want to catch the animal and take it to a shelter. Several strategies can be employed to lure a stray into your home so it can be properly tended to.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective gloves
  • Long-sleeved clothing
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Cat carrier
  • Dog toys
  • Wet pet food
  • Food dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attempt to pick up the animal. Approach the animal slowly and gauge its temperament. There's a good chance it may be afraid of you and attempt to run away. Wear protective gloves and long-sleeved shirt especially if you're trying to handle a stray cat that might have claws. If you are trying to wrangle a stray cat, attempt to place the stray into a cat carrier.

    • 2

      Show the stray some affection. If the stray is a dog, attempt to play with the dog using a stick or tennis ball. Pet the dog gently and talk to it in a calm voice. If you are trying to lure a cat, stick out your hand and let the cat smell you. Pet the cat softly and talk to it on a soothing voice. If the cat starts to purr that means it is content and comfortable with you and may follow you home.

    • 3

      Lure the stray with wet cat food (or tuna) or wet dog food. Put the food into a dish and set it on your front porch or patio. Each time you put food out, move the dish gradually closer to your door or into an open garage. Setting food out repeatedly will help earn the stray's trust. When the stray comes to eat near the door or garage you can scoop it up and bring it indoors.

    • 4

      Offer the stray a warm place to stay. On cold autumn and winter nights most strays look for a safe, warm place to stay, especially if its windy. Leave your garage door open so the pet can take shelter there or watch to see if the stray sits around your house, such as underneath a deck or on the porch. Attempt to take hold of the animal and bring it indoors.